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It was the annual Starlighting festival and as usual, Ben Solo was being dragged around the stifling crowds. It had been more fun when he was younger, and he had stuff like face painting, s’mores making and the promise of a new light up sword to look forward to. Now it was just the crushing weight of socializing pressure, the literal throng of bodies pressing against him, and the tantalizing scents from the food trucks he wasn’t allowed to waste time waiting in line for. At least the temperature was above freezing this year.
His saving grace was: the sun had gone down, and there was only about 10 more minutes until the star was lit and the fireworks started. Then he just had to endure the mass exodus of people trying in vain to make it to their cars quickly. However, one could never avoid the inevitable hour in the car slowly inching forward, swearing you’re magically moving backwards as everyone in front of you kept letting more and more drivers in.
So really, only another hour and a half before he could shut himself into his blissfully quiet room, headphones blaring to full volume until he was ready to pass out.
“Look, this will be the perfect view,” his mother insisted, dragging him to a lot which, indeed, had the perfect view of the rock. He stood there, hands shoved into his hoodie pockets, ready to be “awed” by the main event. Then she proceeded to loudly mortify him. “Actually honey, you should move to the back, where you won’t be in front of anyone.”
Ben audibly groaned and mumbled, “It’s not like I can help being this tall.” Rounding his shoulders forward trying to reduce his height, he started edging towards the curb, where he would be out of the way. Mind, he wouldn’t be able to see the rock any more, but whatever. At least the night was almost over.
“It’s ok, ma’am,” a small voice came from behind him, and he felt a touch on the back of his arm. He looked over his shoulder to see a cute short girl about his age, with brown hair and freckles, looking determined and trying to wiggle around him.
“I’m sorry. I think I gave him too much fertilizer when he was young,” his mother joked.
“No need to move. This is perfect.” The girl had finally managed to maneuver in front of him, and she planted herself squarely against his chest. The scent of whatever dryer sheets she used wafted up his nose from her hand crocheted R2D2 hat. Ben froze, unsure what to do. Did she really mean to be that close? Surely this was awkward for her.
“If you’re sure,” his mother said doubtfully.
“If the wind picks up, I’ll be the only one here perfectly warm,” the girl insisted, and wiggled her shoulders to where she was officially leaning against his chest, head nested just under his chin.
He couldn’t breathe. If he did, she’d realize he was alive. And if she realized he was alive, she would run, because everyone ran away. And if he inhaled, he’d smell more of that delicious scent, and heaven help him if that stirred something she’d feel…elsewhere.
“I’m Rey, by the way,” the girl whispered up at him, reaching back to grab his hand.
Swallowing hard, trying not to choke and make the usual mockery of himself, he managed to get out, “I’m Ben.”
“I know. I just transferred to your school last week. I’ve been trying to figure out how to say hi, but I’m kind of shy.”
This was shy? “Oh.” Ben swallowed. “Wel…come.”
“Thanks. I’m really glad I got to see you tonight.” Her head shifted and he looked down at her, meeting her eyes.
“Yeah. Me…too.”
With that, the crowd cheered and the first boom of fireworks went off. She looked away quickly, her face filling with delight as she watched the fireworks. Her right hand clutched his, and she pointed to her favorite explosions with the other.
Ben didn’t actually see the fireworks display at all that year. But it ranked as his favorite Starlighting ever, watching the joy and delight on this girl’s face, knowing that this was somehow the start to something amazing.